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CEPI just released the latest European pulp and paper industry statistics, which give a clear picture of the performance of the industry in 2012. These key statistics include data about production, consumption and the trade of pulp, paper and raw materials, as well as data concerning energy, environment, and social affairs.

European pulp and paper production in 2012 continued to be affected by the economic slowdown which began in mid-2011. Notably, its performance remains above other energy-intensive sectors in Europe. The European paper industry is looking for a healthier supply and demand balance and is modernising its industrial base to remain competitive.

The overall output performance of all CEPI member countries during 2012 was similar to that of other major traditional paper producing world regions, such as USA, Japan and South Korea. Only China and Brazil performed better.

CEPI members produced 92.1 million tonnes of paper and board in 2012 which represents a decrease of 1.6% over 2011. The pre-crisis production in 2008 totalled 97.9 million tonnes. Pulp production fell by 1.0% while the output of market pulp increased by 4.3%.

Exports of paper and board outside Europe showed an increase by 5.3% whilst imports fell by 9.7% when compared with 2011. The overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI fell by 3.8% last year. In comparison the overall GDP in Europe decreased by 0.3% in 2012, but it will recover in 2014 with a 1.4% increase (source: Eurostat – EU27).

European pulp and paper production in 2012 continued to be affected by the economic slowdown which began in mid-2011. Notably, its performance remains above other energy-intensive sectors in Europe. The European paper industry is looking for a healthier supply and demand balance and is modernising its industrial base to remain competitive.

The overall output performance of all CEPI member countries during 2012 was similar to that of other major traditional paper producing world regions, such as USA, Japan and South Korea. Only China and Brazil performed better.

CEPI members produced 92.1 million tonnes of paper and board in 2012 which represents a decrease of 1.6% over 2011. The pre-crisis production in 2008 totalled 97.9 million tonnes. Pulp production fell by 1.0% while the output of market pulp increased by 4.3%.

Exports of paper and board outside Europe showed an increase by 5.3% whilst imports fell by 9.7% when compared with 2011. The overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI fell by 3.8% last year. In comparison the overall GDP in Europe decreased by 0.3% in 2012, but it will recover in 2014 with a 1.4% increase (source: Eurostat – EU27).

Indications are that paper and board production by CEPI member countries fell by in the region of 1.7% in 2012. It is estimated that CEPI member countries produced around 92 million tonnes of paper and board in 2012, resulting from some adjustments in production capacities with closures amounting to 2 million tonnes and new capacities or upgrading of existing ones accounting for close to 1 million tonne.
It is estimated that the production of pulp (integrated + market) has decreased by up to 1% when compared to the previous year, with total output of approximately 38 million tonnes. It is estimated that output of market pulp increased by about between 4% and 4.5%, while integrated pulp output decreased by 3% in 2012 when compared to 2011.
It is estimated that consumption of paper for recycling by CEPI members fell by between 1% and 1.5%.
Based on the cumulative data up to the end of the third quarter of 2012 it is expected that total paper & board deliveries for the year will have fallen by over 2% when compared to 2011.
It appears that the overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI countries in 2012 decreased by between 4% and 5% when compared to 2011.